Make a healthy Mediterranean meal

Kori Ellis is an editor and writer based in San Antonio, TX, where she lives with her husband and four children. At SheKnows, she writes about parenting, fashion, beauty and other lifestyle topics. Additionally, Kori has been published i...

Kabobs & stuffed grape leaves

If you love Greek and other Mediterranean food, you will enjoy this delicious meal of kabobs, stuffed grape leaves and other authentic dishes. Not only are these recipes delicious, they are healthy too.

These healthy recipes were provided by Zaya, the Mediterranean haven in Atlanta.

Kafta kabob

Ingredients

2 1/2 pounds 80/20 ground beef

2 1/2 pounds ground lamb

2 cups diced onions

4 cups parsley, washed and dried then chopped

2 Tbsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

1 1/2 Tbsp all spice

1 egg

Directions

Combine all ingredients.

Portion into 6 oz. logs and grill.

Stuffed grape leaves (Vegetarian)

Ingredients

6 cups parsley, washed and dried then chopped

4 cups tomatoes, finely chopped

3 cups medium grain rice

3 cups yellow onion, diced fine

1 1/4 cups lemon juice

1 1/2 cups extra virgin olive oil

1 Tbsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 1/2 jars grape leaves, 28 leaves

1/2 cup lemon juice

1/4 Tbsp salt

1 Tbsp garlic

1 cup tomato sauce

1/2 gallon water

Directions

Mix parsley, rice, onion, lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper.

Drain grape leaves and remove stems. Put shiny side down and place a heaping spoonful of the mixture on the broad end of the leaf.

Fold left and right sides over and roll the filling towards the tips.

Meanwhile, arrange the tomato slices at the bottom of a stock pot, then cover with a layer of grape leaves.

Place rolls, seam down, in tight rows, then layers atop the grape leaves. Weight the grape leaves with a plate.

Add lemon juice, salt, garlic, and tomato sauce, then add water to cover.

Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for 45 minutes or until rice is done.

Continue onto the next page to get the delicious Tabbouleh and yogurt salad recipes.